OSPRI is calling on NAIT users to reregister all their locations and ensure their NAIT accounts are up-to-date following a key system upgrade.

The upgrade will assist farmers and industry when using the national animal traceability system, and they are required to update their details before March 31, says head of NAIT, Kevin Forward.

The enhancement involves development of an interactive map, which uses Land Information New Zealand parcel data to accurately define a NAIT location.

“This is a progressive step for the NAIT system. The new interactive map tool makes it more straightforward for NAIT users when they go online to register their properties, says Kevin.

“Reselecting the land parcels that make up your NAIT location will help us build more effective traceability through precisely identifying the locations where NAIT animals are kept.”

Existing and new NAIT users are required to update their contact details, declare their herd enterprise type and the number of other species they manage at their properties by March 31.

“Updating your NAIT account details is paramount. This is not only mandatory, it has also proved beneficial towards the Government and industry’s Mycoplasma bovis response,” says Kevin.

“We know that where accurate records have been maintained for registered NAIT locations and the animals kept there, the tracing of animals and their movements has been faster and easier.”

Kevin says the system upgrade was made in response to the recent NAIT review recommendations and feedback from NAIT users.

“We’ve listened to farmers, industry and our stakeholders. Our long-term goal is to build trust and confidence in the NAIT system. To improve NAIT’s capability, users need to ensure they have updated their accounts and registered all the locations and animals they have there before March 31.”

Meanwhile, OSPRI has informed stakeholders, farmers and the wider industry of the changes and the necessary actions all NAIT users are required to do. A guide is also available on the OSPRI website at: https://ospri.co.nz

Farmers unsure about what is required or unable to navigate the NAIT online system are encouraged to call the OSPRI contact centre on 0800 482 463.